The Vision for AKS Lytham September 2026 – August 2027
The Vision for AKS Lytham 2026-2027 Headmasters Introduction
Chair of Local Governing Body
At a time when many schools in
As Governors, we are proud to endorse
the independent sector are facing
this ambitious vision for the continued
significant headwinds, it is great to
development of AKS.
find ourselves in a strong position,
At a time when the educational landscape
where we can focus on the really
continues to change, families rightly want
important things – how to provide the
confidence that their school is strong,
best teaching, how to offer the most
secure and investing for the future. As
inspiring opportunities, and how to
part of United Learning, AKS benefits
instil the integrity, courage, leadership
from the financial strength, expertise and
and excitement required from a great education.
support of one of the country's leading education groups, providing a firm
Our approach is to embrace the opportunities of the future whilst
foundation from which the school can plan and develop with confidence.
maintaining the core academic and co-curricular care and rigour that
This year's priorities demonstrate that confidence in action: continued
our students need and deserve. And, it’s about maintaining a happy
investment in our facilities, people, curriculum and digital provision,
school, where young people feel safe and secure; to challenge and to be
alongside an ambitious approach to Sixth Form, widening access and
challenged in a world that needs exactly that.
preparing students for their futures.
It is wonderful to be able to build on the three hundred or so years of
With strong leadership, a clear sense of purpose and the capacity to invest
history across our heritage schools. And the greatest wonder will be in
for the long term, AKS is exceptionally well placed to build on its strengths
where that takes us next.
and continue providing an outstanding education for current and future
David Harrow, Headmaster
generations. David Stanhope, Chair of Local Governing Body
Strategic and Operational Priorities Curriculum
Digital
Sixth Form
To ensure an AKS education guarantees
To continue to develop and implement a
To further develop the AKS Sixth Form as a
that our students leave with the ability
forward-looking digital strategy embracing
dynamic, state-of-the-art environment and
and inclination to thrive in a challenging
all aspects of education and school
community in which to pursue an education
future, and that their time in school is a
operations so that all members of the
that encapsulates an exceptional preparation
wonderful and enriching experience in itself.
school community have the skills and the
for university, apprenticeships, employment
To achieve this, we will:
tools for success now and in the future.
and other post-school opportunities.
• Further embed and develop the PEAKS
To achieve this, we will:
To achieve this, we will:
• Complete the phased rollout of
• Bring together existing elements into
framework with an emphasis on character development, leadership, digital skills
devices to provide a seamless digital
a holistic future-ready programme,
and the responsible use of AI
environment in which students can
incorporating employability skills, PEAKS Plus
• Review and enhance the academic and
operate within all aspects of school life,
and co-curricular activities, with a focus on
wider curriculum to ensure a balanced,
whilst maintaining a healthy balance with
bespoke and rigorous support for individual
rigorous, contemporary and coherent
‘real life’ education and experiences
Sixth Form and post-school pathways
educational experience that develops
• Evaluate and implement appropriate
• Continue to invest in and update new facilities
students' knowledge, skills, character and
AI-based tools to enhance teaching,
(such as the Lancaster Room) and resources
credentials as future-ready individuals
learning and the operation of the
(including IT provision) to ensure our Sixth
• Align and further develop excellence
school, including commitment to
Form students have the best environment
pathways for able students including
the AI in Education framework
to thrive academically and holistically
Academic, Performing Arts and Sport
• Implement a Digital Skills programme
• Expand the Beyond AKS Global Mentor
Scholars and those with particular
in Year 9 and a Digital Inquiry Pathway
Network, connecting Sixth Form students
ambition and interest in these areas,
in PEAKS Plus in Years 12 and 13
with OAKS alumni, parents and business
clearly communicating the offer and
leaders to support careers education through
expectations of students, and ensuring
mentoring, networking and employer
clarity and consistency in processes
engagement, while building long-term
for assessing and reviewing awards
advocacy and support for the school
Business and Operations
People and Culture
Marketing and Development
To further embed a resilient, adaptive and
To ensure that the school provides exceptional
To strengthen AKS Lytham's position as a
financially robust business and operational
opportunities for professional development
leading school of excellence through strategic
model at AKS, aligned with the realities of the
and leadership in its core educational
marketing, community engagement and
current economic and commercial climate.
offering and wider operational services.
philanthropic development, enhancing
To achieve this, we will:
To achieve this, we will:
the school's reputation, expanding access
• Maintain rigorous financial oversight
• Develop the school’s external focus
through realistic and forward-looking
and engagement to ensure a strong
budgeting, ensuring that expenditure
understanding of excellent and innovative
and investment are strategically aligned
practice, prioritising professional
To achieve this, we will:
to educational priorities, operational
development and thought leadership to
• Ensure AKS maintains a high-profile and
efficiency and long-term sustainability
raise the school’s profile as a recognised
distinctive market position through a
contributor to educational and operational
whole-school marketing and admissions
excellence across the sector
strategy, enhanced digital platforms and
• Consolidate and optimise existing commercial activities and diversified revenue streams, embedding a culture of enterprise that
• Further develop the management and
through bursary support and building strong relationships that benefit current and future generations of students.
data-driven campaigns that showcase the school's excellence and value
maximises the value of the site, staff expertise
coaching skills of middle and senior
and opportunities available through membership
leaders to ensure effective development
of the wider group, while identifying targeted
of all staff, and to facilitate career
continuing to grow philanthropic support
opportunities for sustainable growth
progression and in support of succession
for fully-funded means-tested bursaries
• Deliver and evaluate the next phase of the
planning for key roles, whilst fostering
through the AKS Lytham Foundation,
a culture of professional ambition
strengthening the school's contribution to
school's estate development programme, including the ongoing roof replacement project and the enhancement of key learning and community spaces, ensuring that investments contribute to an outstanding environment for students, staff and visitors
• Expand access to an AKS education by
social mobility and community impact
AKS Lytham Clifton Drive South Lytham St Annes FY8 1DT T 01253 784100 E info@akslytham.com @AKSLytham @AKSSchoolLytham @aks_lytham @AKSLytham www.akslytham.com